The Texans haven’t played a game with linebacker Brian Cushing in the lineup since Week Five of last season, but it looks like that stretch will come to an end this Saturday.
Cushing missed a couple of days with a stomach virus, but has otherwise been going full at practices during training camp in his comeback from a torn ACL. The Texans sat a good chunk of their starters in the first preseason game with designs on having them debut against the Dolphins, which led to coach Gary Kubiak being asked about whether Cushing would play. He said a decision would be made later this week, but suggested he’s ready to see Cushing back on the field.
“Yeah, it’s good to have him back to work,” Kubiak said, via the team’s website. “Pretty full-go with what we’re doing except for quarterback this morning. Any time Cush is on the field, the intensity picks up. We’ve got to start to get him ready to go, so back to work.”
Cushing said he’s “practicing to play” and his return would be a welcome one for Houston. The Texans defense survived Cushing’s loss last season, but their production slipped noticeably against the pass after he was out of the lineup. Having him healthy again should reverse that trend while allowing all the other strengths on that side of the ball to flourish as they did last year.